Bangalore swami in sex scandal

Bangalore: A controversy has erupted over an alleged sex scandal involving Swami Nithyananda who has an Ashram outside Bangalore. The Swami was allegedly filmed in a room with a woman in Tamil Nadu. People attacked the ashram - even as his followers say the video was a defamatory conspiracy.

"For us it is a very, very astonishing matter that the Swami has been indulging in these sex and crime activities. He should be punished and this ashram should be shut down permanently," said a protester.

About 40 kilometres outside Bangalore is Swami Nithyananda's Ashram. It is said he has a following of about 2 million around the world.

Sachidanandaswamy said, "At this moment we feel that a mix of conspiracy, graphics and rumour are at play in these recent events that have unfolded. We are working on a legal course of action...In these trying times, we wish to reassure the lakhs of devotees and well-wishers whose sentiments have been deeply hurt by this conspiracy. We thank all the devotees and disciples for standing with us during these trying times."